Friday, April 3, 2026

Texas State Hires Chris Kielsmeier After Successful Run at Cleveland 

Texas State University has made a big change in their women’s basketball program, as they have decided to part ways with Zenarae Antoine, the winningest coach in program history. After 15 successful seasons and 5 postseason appearances, Antoine has decided to step away from the program. This decision comes after a disappointing 11-17 record this past season, the worst winning percentage for the team since 2001. But with the end of Antoine’s era, a new one begins as Chris Kielsmeier takes over as the new head coach for the Texas State women’s basketball team.

Kielsmeier comes to Texas State after a successful run at Cleveland State University, where he led the Vikings to three consecutive postseason appearances and a Horizon League regular-season championship. With a proven track record of success, Kielsmeier is the perfect candidate to lead the Bobcats to new heights.

The decision to bring in Kielsmeier was not an easy one for Texas State. After all, Antoine had been with the program for 15 years, and her contributions cannot be overlooked. She has been instrumental in building the program and creating a winning culture. Under her guidance, the Bobcats became a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt Conference. But with the recent decline in performance, Antoine felt that it was time for a change and made the tough decision to step down.

The university’s athletic director, Larry Teis, acknowledged Antoine’s contributions and expressed his gratitude for her dedication and hard work. He also expressed his excitement for the future of the program with Kielsmeier at the helm. Teis believes that Kielsmeier’s experience and leadership will bring a new level of success to the Texas State women’s basketball team.

For Kielsmeier, the opportunity to coach at Texas State is a dream come true. He has always been impressed with the program’s potential and is eager to build on the foundation that Antoine has laid. In an interview, Kielsmeier shared his excitement about joining the Bobcats and his vision for the team. He plans to continue the winning tradition at Texas State and take the program to new heights.

The players are also excited about the change in leadership and are looking forward to working with Kielsmeier. Senior guard Brooke Holle expressed her optimism for the upcoming season and her confidence in Kielsmeier’s ability to lead the team. She believes that his winning mentality and experience will be crucial in helping the team reach their full potential.

With a new coach and a fresh start, the Bobcats are ready to turn things around and make their mark in the Sun Belt Conference. Kielsmeier’s success at Cleveland State has shown that he knows how to build a winning program, and the Texas State women’s basketball team is in good hands.

As the new season approaches, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation among the players and fans. The change in leadership brings a renewed sense of motivation and determination for the team. The Bobcats are ready to put in the hard work and dedication needed to achieve success under their new coach.

In conclusion, Texas State University’s decision to hire Chris Kielsmeier as the new head coach for their women’s basketball program is a step in the right direction. With his experience, leadership, and winning mentality, Kielsmeier is the perfect fit for the Bobcats. The future looks bright for the Texas State women’s basketball team, and with Kielsmeier at the helm, there is no doubt that they will continue to make their mark in the Sun Belt Conference.

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